What is robotic surgery?
Robotic surgery is also called as robot-assisted surgery. The surgery helps a doctor perform complex surgeries with flexibility, precision and control compared to conventional methods.
Robotic surgery is usually a less invasive procedure which will be performed through small incisions. Traditional surgery is usually invasive and will require open surgical procedures.
The commonly used clinical robotic surgery system includes a camera arm and mechanical arm with surgical instruments attached to them. The surgeon will control the arm with the help of a computer console near the operating table.
The console will give the surgeon a high-definition and magnified view of the surgical site. The surgeon will also lead other team members during the surgery.
Robotic surgery will help get a better view of the surgery site when compared to traditional surgery methods. The benefits of robotic surgery include
- Less pain
- No or less blood loss
- Shorter stay in the hospital
- Fewer complications at the site of infection
Understanding Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery cannot be suggested for all, and there are risks involved, like traditional methods. So before opting for robotic surgery, it is important to understand the benefits and risks involved in the surgical method.
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive method. The incision will be small, and the blood loss will also be less. Other benefits include less scarring and a faster return to normal life.
Where and why is robotic surgery used?
Robotic surgery is used for many reasons and is similar to laparoscopic surgery. The surgery can be performed with small cuts when open surgery is not necessary.
The robotic arm can be placed at the site of surgery, and the surgeon will move the arm in a comfortable way, and the surgery will be performed. However, the time required to perform the surgery will take longer time. The robotic arm and certain things to be set in the machine will make the processing time-consuming.
Some of the common conditions that can be treated with robotic surgery are
- General surgery
- Gynaecology surgery
- Colorectal surgery
- Heart surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Urologic surgery
- Endometriosis
- Head and neck surgery
How Does the Robotic Surgical System Work?
To operate using robotic surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision in the site of the surgery, and then a miniaturised instrument and high-definition three-dimensional camera will be inserted.
The surgeon will perform the surgery with these instruments from a nearby console. Consider the robotic surgery model to be a supercomputer, which allows the machine to perform the surgery. The surgeon will have full control throughout the surgery.
Robotic Surgery: What to Expect?
During traditional surgery, a surgeon will always stand near you and perform the surgery. In a robotic surgery procedure, the surgeon will be nearby and assist the robot with the procedure. Each surgery is different. However, the general steps of robotic-assisted surgery are
- A tiny incision will be made in the body.
- The doctor will insert a miniature robotic instrument and a high-definition camera into the body.
- The surgeon will sit near a console where the surgeon will do the procedure.
- The console will give a clear picture of the site of operation and gives a highly magnified view.
- With the help of the console, the surgeon will manipulate the control.
- The instrument will respond to these movements, and in real time, the surgery will be performed.
- The robot will perform the surgery and will also reach places that will be delicate and hard to perform with traditional methods.
What are the Benefits of Robotic-assisted Surgery?
There are many benefits to robotic-assisted surgery.
- The surgeon will have a great range of motion and dexterity.
- The surgeon will have better access to the site of surgery.
- Less complication after surgery.
- Robotic surgery helps view the operating-filed with high magnification and resolution.
- Less risk of infection.
- Short hospital stay.
- Less pain.
- Faster recovery
- Easy and quick return to the daily routine.
- Less blood loss and fewer blood transfusions.
Risks
Like the traditional surgery method, the robotic surgery method will also have certain complications and risks. All machines and equipment are subjected to risks, and no machine can have an efficacy of 100%.
The common complication caused due to robotic surgery is haemorrhage due to laceration. Laceration due to robotic surgery is very common, and other complications are injury to the nearby tissue, and consequences like permanent blindness while operating near the eye area are reported.
According to research, there are deaths reported due to heavy blood loss during robotic surgery.
Additionally, the surgeon being away from the patient can also pose a risk. The precise control of the machine will depend on the data and internet connections between the console and the operating room. Problems related to data and an internet connection can be beyond the medical team and, in some cases, uncontrollable.
Robotic surgery is a relatively new technique and will require expertise to operate the machine. Additionally, the method will require many years to reduce the risk and make it successful.
Is robotic surgery right for you?
Robotic surgery is not for all, and robot-assisted surgery cannot perform all surgeries. A list of procedures that can be performed using the robot-assisted procedure is mentioned above in the blog. Consult your doctor about the benefits and risks involved in robotic surgery. Additionally, compare the risk and benefits with traditional surgery methods and check if it is suitable for you and then opt for the surgery.
Conclusion
Robotic surgery is an advanced technique in the medical field that helps perform surgery with the help of a robot. Robot-assisted surgery has many benefits, like minimally invasive, less infection rate, and can get back to normal life quickly and with less pain.
However, robotic surgery is not for all, and consult your doctor before opting for the surgery. Like the benefits, there are many risks involved with robotic surgery.
